Chapter 200

Chapter Ninety-Seven: Preparations for the Game

“Sigh——”

“What’s wrong, Makoto?”

Noticing her friend’s sigh contained more than just Ash’s troubles, Rikka timely showed concern.

“In fact, I’ve been thinking about something…”

After some thought, Makoto finally spoke about her current dilemma.

“I sing as an idol because Princess likes my songs. Back then, when I first came to Earth, I hoped my voice would catch Princess’s attention; I never really cared about fame.”

“However, now Makoto is such a popular idol. Lots of people look forward to your music.”

Without mentioning Makoto consistently leading the record sales chart since her debut, and numerous big advertisers extending offers, even at school, she had a support group of hundreds. These supporters weren’t mindless fans; instead, they had strict guidelines like “do not disturb Makoto during her rest time” and “chase your idols politely.” There were hundreds of such rules, and none of the supporters opposed them, indicating how truly popular Makoto was.

“I know, if possible, I wouldn’t want to disappoint my fans.”

Makoto sighed again. Actually, this was the main reason for her sigh.

“But now that Princess has returned, the purpose I sang for is gone. Even my voice carries uncertainty, no longer as inspiring as before.”

The high-popularity idol known as Makoto Kanzaki, or “Makoto P” (Little Makoto) among fans, was famous for her heartfelt singing that moved the audience.

Lately, even those in charge of recording her songs noticed her voice, once heavenly, had lost its previous sincerity. They assumed she must be exhausted. Everyone said she needed more rest, but only she knew the real issue.

Added to this, playing Ash’s dangerous game as the new enemy burdened her as a Pretty Cure, leaving her little energy for singing.

“So, I’m thinking maybe retiring might be the best option?”

“This is something you need to consider further.”

But ultimately, this was Makoto’s decision. Offering a little advice was the extent of Rikka’s capability.

If it were Mana, she would have definitely complained that Makoto should continue singing. But the current Mana…

“Everyone!”

Hearing familiar voices, their spirits lifted. Looking towards the source, Ai waved at them from the entrance of the street, holding Regina’s hand. Her energetic smile seemed to bring back the old her.

“Makoto, you made us wait forever!”

“Hehe, I let you worry. But now I’m fine too.”

Ai scratched her head awkwardly, habitually scanning the surroundings. Compared to before, one gentle presence was missing this time.

“If Arisu were here, I wonder what they’re up to now.”

Makoto was naturally referring to the topics of Arisu and Ash, which usually turned the atmosphere somber. However, Ai stepped forward to cheer everyone up.

“Everything’s fine; Ash won’t trouble Arisu since he said it’s all just a game! Enjoyment comes first in games, no need to force anyone.”

“And if he wants to play again, we’ll win him over and bring Arisu back!”

Akuri, watching from the shadows, nodded seeing Ai’s renewed spirit, licking his ice cream and walking away.

Next, they must prepare for whatever game Ash proposes!

“Not surprising from Makoto!”

“That’s right, no matter what game next time, we’ll win it!”

Seeing Ai, the leader of light, smiling, everyone also regained their spirits. In difficult times past, the Pretty Cures had always pulled through, and so would now with their collective efforts!

“Hehe, that’s not that impressive. Alright, today forget those worries, let’s enjoy ourselves!”

“Yay!”

Relieved, they happily rushed to the temple fair’s many fun stalls, listening to their friends’ cheers. Ai, falling a step behind, bowed her head, her clenched fist trembling slightly.

She lied to her best friend, actually fearing the scenarios involving Arisu and Ash. She felt fear and anxiety.

“What face will you show me after losing all your friends? I can hardly wait.”

The image of his demonic smile flashed before her eyes, sending shivers down Ai’s spine. Wet tears appeared uncontrollably in her eyes.

Since Ash first became Dragon Fang, Cure Heart had never defeated him in battle. She didn’t know how to defeat that dark knight.

“But this won’t do… If I don’t smile, if I don’t stay optimistic, Rikka and the others will lose their enthusiasm as well.”

To protect everyone and guard the smiles of those she knows and those she doesn’t, she must—she must!

“Makoto?”

Her hand was gently held, Regina’s concerned gaze looking at her.

“It’s okay, even if I don’t have my powers now.”

“I’ll help you!”

Meanwhile, what were Ash and Arisu doing?

Ash allowed Arisu to go home or school, but he had to report to him daily. He wasn’t particularly harsh, except when boasting by requiring close companionship, and doing things that embarrassed girls, such as male students teasing female classmates. According to Arisu, he did this mostly to satisfy his ego.

At this moment, Ash sat on a brass chair, crafted from materials given by the Mirror World, while Arisu sat on a shorter chair beside him, forcing a grimace at the sight.

“Um, Ash-san?” Arisu pointed at two unlucky officers moving heavy objects inside the base hesitantly suggesting, “Wouldn’t it be better if I helped?”

When Arisu spoke, Ra and Mamu almost burst into tears.

Originally, they worked hard to gather Malevolent Energy for the Selfish King. Now that their boss was Ash, their task had changed. They thought they could relax with no wrongdoing involved, but ended up being ordered around by the whims of someone who called himself a boss.

For instance, Ash complained about the place lacking decor fitting his status, so he bought numerous refrigerators, TVs, and decorations. Beyond the purchases, they had the job of moving and setting them up, treating them like interns. The two of them restrained themselves, fearing getting beaten up if they defied him.

“Not happening.”

“Ash-san, that’s too much.”

Facing Ash’s cold rebuke, Arisu had to return to his seat, infuriating himself and Ra.

What’s going on? We’re subordinates, she should be the captive. Why do we feel lower in status?!

Ash didn’t have the thoughts to understand their feelings now; he was contemplating something important for himself.

What game should they play next time?

Ruminating on this question, he took out a delicate box from what he had purchased—thinking it was a game disc, but to his surprise, it was a record package.

“That one, that’s Makoto’s song!”

Hearing Arisu introduce it, Ash grew interested, opening the box and finding the idol’s image carved on the disc.

Makoto Kanzaki, a major idol. Heard she wanted to retire lately, how careless.

Thinking of this, he picked up the disc, inserted it into the player, and suddenly an idea came to him.

“Then, I have a good plan!”